Minimizing ERP Upgrade Timeline
Posted on: March 25, 2024 | By: Meaghan Andrews | QAD Distribution, QAD Manufacturing, QAD Business Process
With the release of QAD’s new AUX 2024 and O3 version, many of our clients are in the process of or seriously contemplating upgrading their current QAD version. While the tools and processes to assist in the upgrade have improved and continue to improve, we do not believe there is an “Easy Button” yet available to push and if not taken seriously, the upgrade process can be time-consuming and fraught with challenges. In this blog, we’ll cover strategies aimed at minimizing the ERP upgrade timeline, ensuring a smoother transition and quicker realization of benefits.
Plan Meticulously
The cornerstone of any successful ERP upgrade is meticulous planning. Begin by establishing clear objectives for the upgrade, including which processes you aim to improve and what new functionalities you need. A mistake often made is not limiting the process improvements and new functionality to “must haves” versus “nice to haves.” Conduct a thorough audit of your current system to identify customizations, integrations, and data that will be affected. This preparatory work is instrumental in avoiding surprises during the upgrade process that could lead to delays. If considering newly released functionality, ask for client references of successful implementations.
Engage Stakeholders Early
Stakeholder engagement is critical. Involve key stakeholders from across the organization early in the planning phase. This includes IT staff, end-users, and department heads. Their input can provide valuable insights into the needs and challenges that the upgrade should address. Early engagement also helps in managing expectations and minimizing resistance to change, both of which can accelerate the upgrade process.
Choose the Right Upgrade Approach
Deciding on the right upgrade approach is pivotal. There are typically two paths: a technical upgrade or a functional upgrade. A technical upgrade focuses on moving to the latest version of the software without major changes to its functionality. In contrast, a functional upgrade involves reevaluating and potentially reengineering business processes to leverage native QAD functionality and new QAD capabilities. There is no right or wrong decision here. The choice depends on your business goals, budget, and timeline. In some cases, a phased approach, upgrading in stages rather than all at once, can reduce complexity and shorten the timeline.
Invest in Training and Support
Underestimating the importance of training and support is one of the biggest mistakes we observe. When new features and improvements to existing processes are introduced, we have seen people assume the efficiency and improved user experience will minimize the need for rigorous training or hands on support during go-live. Invest in comprehensive training programs for your team to ensure they are prepared to use the upgraded system effectively from day one. Additionally, secure adequate support from your consulting partner during and after the upgrade to swiftly address any issues that arise. No matter how well an upgrade goes, our experience is people will want to revert back to old habits (i.e. processes) under the stress of meeting deadlines and commitments.
Leverage Automation and Testing
Automating repetitive tasks and employing robust testing strategies can significantly reduce the time and effort involved in an ERP upgrade. Use automation tools for data migration and testing to eliminate manual errors and accelerate the process. Comprehensive testing, including unit testing, system integration testing, and user acceptance testing, is crucial to ensure the upgraded system works as expected and meets user needs.
Conclusion
Minimizing the time of an ERP upgrade is essential for quickly harnessing the benefits of the new system with minimal disruption to business operations. By meticulously planning, engaging stakeholders early, choosing the right upgrade approach, investing in training, and leveraging automation and testing, organizations can streamline their ERP upgrade process. And early in the go-live it is not unusual for things to be bumpy as your users adjust to the new functionality. As your consulting partner, we are here to guide you through each step, ensuring your ERP upgrade is as efficient and effective as possible.
Next Steps
If you are interested in learning more about minimizing the ERP upgrade timeline, contact us here to find out how we can help you grow your business. You can also email us at info@loganconsulting.com or call (312) 345-8817.